Carton with handle

ABSTRACT

A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. At least one end flap can be foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one end flap can at least partially form a closed end of the carton. At least one handle comprises at least one handle flap foldably connected to the at least one end flap along a first fold line. The at least one handle flap comprises a grip portion at least partially defined by the first fold line and a second fold line extending in the at least one handle flap. The first fold line and the second fold line are nonparallel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/797,758, filed Dec. 14, 2012, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/741,314, filed Jul. 17, 2012, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/741,315, filed Jul. 17, 2012.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/797,758,which was filed on Dec. 14, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/741,314, which was filed on Jul. 17, 2012, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/741,315, which was filed on Jul. 17, 2012, arehereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented hereinin their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding beveragecontainers or other types of articles. More specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to cartons having handle features.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a carton forholding a plurality of containers. The carton can comprise a pluralityof panels that extends at least partially around an interior of thecarton. At least one end flap can be foldably connected to at least onepanel of the plurality of panels. The at least one end flap can at leastpartially form a closed end of the carton. At least one handle comprisesat least one handle flap foldably connected to the at least one end flapalong a first fold line. The at least one handle flap comprises a gripportion at least partially defined by the first fold line and a secondfold line extending in the at least one handle flap. The first fold lineand the second fold line are nonparallel.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank forforming a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The blank cancomprise a plurality of panels and at least one end flap foldablyconnected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The at leastone end flap is for at least partially forming a closed end of thecarton formed from the blank. The blank can also comprise handlefeatures for forming at least one handle comprising at least one handleflap foldably connected to the at least one end flap along a first foldline. The at least one handle flap comprises a grip portion at leastpartially defined by the first fold line and a second fold lineextending in the at least one handle flap. The first fold line and thesecond fold line are nonparallel.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method offorming a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The method cancomprise obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels thatextends at least partially around an interior of the carton. At leastone end flap is foldably connected to at least one panel of theplurality of panels. The at least one end flap can at least partiallyform a closed end of the carton. At least one handle comprises at leastone handle flap foldably connected to the at least one end flap along afirst fold line. The at least one handle flap comprises a grip portionat least partially defined by the first fold line and a second fold lineextending in the at least one handle flap. The first fold line and thesecond fold line are nonparallel. The method can further compriseactuating the at least one handle by folding the at least one handleflap along the first fold line and the second fold line.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments readingthe following detailed description of the embodiments with reference tothe below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the presentdisclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided bothindividually and in various combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a cartonaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a detail view of handle features of the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is an interior view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1 withinwardly folded corner flaps.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partially-erected carton in the formof an open-ended sleeve according to the first exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the open-ended sleeve of FIG. 3 withcontainers loaded therein.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the assembled carton according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of a handle in an end of thecarton of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exterior perspective view of the handle of FIG. 5 afteractivation of the handle according to the first exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an interior perspective view of the activated handle of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a cartonaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a cartonaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a detail view of handle features of the blank of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is an exterior plan view of a reinforcing insert for reinforcingthe carton according to the third exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially-erected carton in the formof an open-ended sleeve according to the third exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the assembled carton according to thethird exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an interior perspective view of a handle in an end of thecarton of FIG. 12.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons that containarticles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The articles can beused for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articlescan be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging theparticular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are notlimited to, aluminum and/or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET,LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or anycombination thereof.

Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles ofany shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose oflimiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed descriptiondescribes beverage containers (e.g., glass beverage bottles) as disposedwithin the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,”“outer,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientationsdetermined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior side 1 of a blank, generallyindicated at 3, used to form a carton 5 (FIG. 4) according to a firstexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carton 5 can be used tohouse a plurality of articles such as containers C (FIG. 3A). In oneembodiment, the containers are bottles having a wide bottom and a narrowtop or neck T including a cap CP. In the illustrated embodiment, thecarton 5 is sized to house twelve containers C in a single layer in a3×4 arrangement, but it is understood that the carton 5 may be sized andshaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in more thanone layer and/or in different row/column arrangements (e.g., 1×6, 2×6,4×6, 3×8, 2×6×2, 3×4×2, 2×9, 3×6, etc.), or just a single article. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 includes a first end 7 and asecond end 9, each with a respective handle, generally indicated at 10(FIGS. 4-7) for grasping and carrying the carton at each of the ends 7,9. The carton 5 could have only a single handle 10 in either of the ends7, 9 without departing from the disclosure. As will be discussed belowin more detail, the handles 10 are formed from various features in thecarton blank 3.

In one embodiment, the first end 7 and the second end 9 of the carton 5each have article protection features 11 (FIG. 4) for protecting atleast one article C of the plurality of articles. Additionally, thecarton 5 of the first embodiment may have article protection flaps 13for protecting the at least one article. The article protection features11 cushion the ends 7, 9 of the carton and prevent or reduce thelikelihood of breakage of the containers C. In one embodiment, thearticle protection flaps 13 are movable between a first position(FIG. 1) and a second position (not shown) placed between adjacentcontainers C in the carton to reduce movement of the containers in thecarton and prevent breakage of the containers. The article protectionfeatures and flaps can be similar to, or the same as, those described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/419,740, filed Mar. 14, 2012, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposesas if presented herein in its entirety. The article protection features11 and/or the article protection flaps 13 can be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.Further, the article protection features 11 and/or article protectionflaps 13 can be omitted without departing from the disclosure.

The carton blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1, the blank includes a bottom panel 15 foldablyconnected to a first side panel 17 at a lateral fold line 19. A secondside panel 21 is foldably connected to the bottom panel 15 at a lateralfold line 23. An outer or first top panel 25 is foldably connected tothe first side panel 17 at a lateral fold line 27, and an inner orsecond top panel 29 is foldably connected to the second side panel 21 ata lateral fold line 31. Any of the top and bottom panels 25, 29, 15 andthe first and second side panels 17, 21 can be otherwise shaped,arranged, configured, or omitted, without departing from the disclosure.For example, the second top panel 29 could be a separate insert formedfrom a separate insert blank, or the second top panel could be omittedand an attachment flap can be foldably connected to the first top panel25 or the second side panel 21.

The bottom panel 15 is foldably connected to a first bottom end flap 33and a second bottom end flap 35. The first side panel 17 is foldablyconnected to a first side end flap 37 and a second side end flap 39. Thesecond side panel 21 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 43and a second side end flap 45. The first top panel 25 is foldablyconnected to a first (e.g., outer) top end flap 47 and a second (e.g.,outer) top end flap 49. The second top panel 29 is foldably connected toa first (e.g., inner) top end flap 51 and a second (e.g., inner) top endflap 53. In one embodiment, when the carton 5 is erected, the end flaps33, 37, 43, 47, 51 close the first end 7 of the carton, and the endflaps 35, 39, 45, 49, 53 close the second end 9 of the carton. Inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,different flap arrangements can be used for closing the ends 7, 9 of thecarton 5.

The end flaps 33, 37, 43, 47, 51 extend along a first marginal area ofthe blank 3, and are foldably connected at a first longitudinal foldline 61 that extends along the length of the blank. The end flaps 35,39, 45, 49, 53 extend along a second marginal area of the carton blank3, and are foldably connected at a second longitudinal fold line 63 thatalso extends along the length of the blank. The longitudinal fold lines61, 63 may be, for example, substantially straight, or offset at one ormore locations to account for blank thickness or for other factors. Theends of the carton 5 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/orconfigured (e.g., at least partially tapered) without departing from thedisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first fold line or area 65 and a second fold lineor area 67 connect the respective top end flaps 51, 53 to the second toppanel 29 along the marginal areas of the blank 3. In the illustratedembodiment, each of the fold areas 65, 67 can include several fold lines(e.g., scores, creases, cut-crease lines, etc.). Alternatively, the foldareas 65, 67 can be other lines or areas of weakening (e.g., a singlefold line) for folding the top end flaps 51, 53 relative to the secondtop panel 29. Openings 69 can interrupt the fold areas 65, 67 to helpavoid bunching of the blank material at the ends 7, 9 of the erectedcarton 5 that might otherwise occur since the second top panel 29 andthe top end flaps 51, 53 are interior to the first top panel 25 and thetop end flaps 47, 49 in the erected carton.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the carton blank 3 has handle features forforming the handles 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the handle featurescomprise outer handle flaps 73 foldably connected to a respective topend flap 47, 49 at an arcuate fold line 75 and separable from therespective top end flap 47, 49 along cut lines 77. An opposing arcuatefold line 79 extends in each of the outer handle flaps 73 and generallymirrors the arcuate fold line 75. In one embodiment, the arcuate foldline 75 can have a radius of curvature extending in a first direction(e.g., generally toward the top panel 25), and the opposing arcuate foldline 79 can have a radius of curvature extending in a second, opposingdirection (e.g., generally away from the top panel 25). Stated anotherway, the arcuate fold line 75 can be convex with respect to the toppanel 25, and the opposing arcuate fold line 79 can be concave withrespect to the top panel 25. Accordingly, the fold lines 75, 79 areopposing arcs and generally comprise nonparallel fold lines. In oneembodiment, nonparallel fold lines can refer to a first fold line thatis curved in one direction and a second fold line that is eitherstraight or that is curved in an opposing direction. In the illustratedembodiment, the arcuate fold lines 75, 79 are cut-crease lines; however,the fold lines could be otherwise configured (e.g., scores, creases,perforations, etc.). A grip portion 82 generally can be defined betweenthe arcuate fold line 75 and the opposing arcuate fold line 79 in eachof the outer handle flaps 73. In one embodiment, the grip portions 82can be for contacting a hand of a user when grasping the handles 10Accordingly, as the outer handle panels 73 are folded inwardly, theouter handle panels fold along both of the arcuate fold lines 75, 79 sothat the grip portions 82 form a wider contact area for a user's hands,thereby helping to make the material at the handle 10 feel thicker andmore comfortable for the user. In one embodiment, each outer handle flap73 includes a longitudinal score 81 extending in the grip portion 82.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outer handle flaps 73 caninclude oblique fold lines 83 and a lateral cut 85, which can formgenerally triangular flaps 87 that can help accommodate the narrow topor neck T of a container C adjacent the respective handle 10.Accordingly, when the respective outer handle flap 73 is folded inwardlyin the carton 5, the triangular flaps 87 can separate along therespective cuts 85 and fold outwardly along the oblique fold lines 83upon contact with the narrow top T of the respective container C. Theouter handle flaps 73 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the handle features further can include an innerhandle flap 89 defined in each of the top end flaps 51, 53. Each of theinner handle flaps 89 is foldably connected to the respective top endflap 51, 53 along an arcuate fold line 91 and is separable from therespective top end flap along cut lines 93. In one embodiment, the innerhandle flaps 89 extend adjacent respective openings 95 in the top endflaps. An opposing arcuate fold line 97 extends in each of the handleflaps 89 and generally mirrors the arcuate fold lines 91. In theillustrated embodiment, the arcuate fold lines 91, 97 can be generallysimilar to the arcuate fold lines 75, 79 and can be positioned andconfigured so that the arcuate fold lines 75, 79 generally overlap thearcuate fold lines 91, 97 in the erected carrier 5. Accordingly, thefold lines 91, 97 are opposing arcs and generally comprise nonparallelfold lines. In one embodiment, the arcuate fold line 91 can have aradius of curvature extending in a first direction (e.g., generallytoward the top panel 29), and the opposing arcuate fold line 97 can havea radius of curvature extending in a second, opposing direction (e.g.,generally away from the top panel 29). Stated another way, the arcuatefold line 91 can be convex with respect to the top panel 29, and theopposing arcuate fold line 97 can be concave with respect to the toppanel 29. In an alternative embodiment, one of the arcuate fold lines91, 97 could be replaced with a generally straight fold line. In oneembodiment, each handle flap 89 includes a longitudinal cut-crease line99 extending between the arcuate fold line 91 and the opposing arcuatefold line 97. A folding portion 100 can be generally defined between thearcuate fold line 91 and the opposing arcuate fold line 97 in each ofthe inner handle flaps 89. When the handles 10 are formed, the gripportions 82 of the outer handle flaps 73 generally can overlap therespective folding portions 100, and the folding portions 100 cancooperate with the respective grip portions 82 to help form the widercontact areas of the handles. The inner handle flaps 89 could be omittedor could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

The handle features can also include notches or openings 101 in the sideend flaps 37, 39, 43, and 45. The openings 101 cooperate to provide anopening at a respective closed end 7, 9 to allow a respective handleflap 73 and inner handle flap 89 to be inwardly folded at a respectiveend. The side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45 can also include respective upperportions 103 disposed above the respective openings 101. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 1A, a side handle flap 105 can be foldably connected to theupper portion 103 of each side end flap 37, 39, 43, 45 along arespective arcuate fold line 107 and can extend adjacent the respectiveopenings 101. In one embodiment, the arcuate fold lines 75, 91 cangenerally overlap the arcuate fold lines 107 at each end of the cartonwhen the ends 7, 9 are closed. Each of the side handle flaps 105 caninclude a lateral perforated line 109 and a corner comfort radius 111.As shown in FIG. 1A, the corner comfort radius 111 can be defined by ascore 113 and a cut 115 extending from the score 113 and curving towardthe edge of the side handle flap 105. Accordingly, the corner comfortradius 111 can separate from the remainder of the side handle flap 105along the cut 115 and fold along the score 113 to help protect a user'shands from rough edges in the corner of the handle opening formed whenthe handle 10 is activated. The blank 3 can have other features forforming the handles 10, or the blank 3 and/or carton 5 can have one ormore handles that are alternatively shaped, arranged, and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure. For example, any or all of theouter handle flaps 73, the inner handle flaps 89, or the side handleflaps 105 could be omitted. Further, one or both of the handles 10 canbe omitted without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the carton blank 3 has features for forming thearticle protection features 11 of the carton 5. As shown in FIG. 1, theside end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45 and the top end flaps 47, 49 havedeformations in the form of indentations 121 on the exterior surface ofthe carton blank 3 such that the indentations from a protrusion on theinterior surface of the blank. The bottom end flaps 33, 35 each have tworows of deformations in the form of indentations 123 on the interiorsurface of the carton blank 3 such that the indentations on the interiorsurface form a protrusion on the exterior surface 1 of the carton blank3. As shown in FIG. 1, the top end flaps 47, 49 each have corner notches125. The indentations 121, 123 can be any deformation on a surface of arespective side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45, top end flaps 47, 49, orbottom end flaps 33, 35 such that the deformation can be any suitableshape (e.g., a concave depression or protrusion, convex depression orprotrusion, flat depression or protrusion, embossed area, debossed area,etc., or any other suitable shape). Furthermore, the indentations 121,123 could be formed on the interior or exterior surface of one or moreof the first side panel 17, second side panel 21, top panel 25, bottompanel 15, and/or top end flaps 51, 53 without departing from thedisclosure.

In the first embodiment, the carton blank 3 includes nine articleprotection flaps 13 arranged in a 3×3 arrangement, but the blank couldhave more or less than nine article protection flaps, and the flapscould be otherwise arranged in other suitable row/column arrangements orin a random configuration on the bottom panel 15, including a single rowor single column configuration, or any other suitable configuration. Inother embodiments, the carton blank 3 can include article protectionflaps that are different, similar, or identical to other articleprotection flaps without departing from the disclosure. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, the middle row of article protection flaps 13 areoriented 180 degrees relative to a row of article protection flaps thatare closer to the respective longitudinal fold lines 61, 63. In otherembodiments, the article protection flaps 13 could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the article protection flaps 13 are each foldablyconnected to the bottom panel 15 at a respective lateral fold line 127and are each at least partially defined by a cut 129 in the bottompanel. Alternatively, the cut 129 could comprise other forms ofweakening (e.g., a tear line that comprises cut lines separated bybreakable nicks, a tear line that is formed by a series of spaced apartcuts, etc.) that allow the article protection flap 13 to be separatedfrom the bottom panel 15 without departing from the disclosure. In oneembodiment, a slit or cut 131 extends laterally from a portion of thecut 129 that is opposite to the lateral fold line 127. As shown in FIG.1, the article protection flap 13 can comprise generally longitudinalfold lines 133 extending from the lateral fold line 127. The fold lines127, 133 and cuts 129, 131 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,configured, and/or omitted such that the article protection flap 13 hasany other suitable shape or configuration without departing from thedisclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, a corner flap 135 can be foldablyconnected to each of the side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45. The corner flaps135 can help secure the containers C in the carton 5 and/or helpreinforce the corners of the carton. Each of the corner flaps 135 can befoldably connected to the respective side end flap along a longitudinalfold line 137 and separable from the respective side end flap along acut line 139. Each of the corner flaps 135 can include an intermediatefold line 141 extending from the cut line 139 to a lateral free edge ofthe respective side end flap. Accordingly, the corner flaps 135 can befolded adjacent the respective corners of the carton 5 (FIG. 5) to atleast partially conform to the shape of the containers C adjacent thecorners and reduce the freedom of movement of the corner containers. Thecorner flaps 135 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 includes dispenser features for forminga dispenser 143 in the carton 5 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 1, thedispenser features include an outer dispenser 145 formed in the firsttop panel 25. The outer dispenser 145 includes two outer dispenserpanels 147 that are separable from the remainder of the first top panel25 along tear lines 149 and are foldably connected to the first toppanel 25 along a respective longitudinal fold line 151. The outerdispenser panels 147 are separable from one another along a longitudinaltear or cut line 153. V-shaped cuts 155 at each end of the cut line 153define outer projections 157 in the first top panel 25. The tear lines149, fold lines 151, cut line 153, and V-shaped cuts 155 could beotherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from thedisclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser features further caninclude an inner dispenser 159 in the second top panel 29. The innerdispenser 159 includes inner dispenser panels 161 that are separablefrom the remainder of the second top panel 29 along cut lines 163 andare foldably connected to the second top panel 29 along respectivelongitudinal fold lines 165. The inner dispenser panels 161 can beseparable from one another along tear lines 167 and can define a fingeraperture 169 therebetween. The cut lines 163 can be shaped and disposedin the second top panel 29 so that, when the carton 5 is formed and thefirst top panel 25 overlaps the second top panel 29, the outerprojections 157 overlap portions of the cut lines 163 and cornerportions 171 of the inner dispenser panels 161. Accordingly, the cornerportions 171 can interfere with the outer projections 157 to help retainthe dispenser 143 in a reclosed position after initial opening of thedispenser. When opening the dispenser 143, the corner portions 171 canfold out of the way of the outer projections 157. The cut lines 163,fold lines 165, and tear lines 167 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. Additionally,the outer dispenser 145 and the inner dispenser 159 could be otherwiseshaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from thedisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 3 can be prepared for forming the carton 5by folding each of the corner flaps 135 in the respective side end flaps37, 39, 43, 45 along the respective longitudinal fold lines 137 so thatthe corner flaps 135 overlap the respective side end flap and therespectively adjacent side panel 17, 21. In one embodiment, at least theportion of each corner flap 135 between the longitudinal fold line 137and the intermediate fold line 141 can be glued to the respective sideend flap 37, 39, 43, 45. Alternatively, or in addition, the corner flaps135 can be glued to the respective side panels 17, 21, or the glue couldbe omitted from the corner flaps so that they are free to pivot and orslide relative to the side end flaps and/or the side panels.

In one exemplary embodiment, the carton 5 can be assembled further byfolding the blank 3 along the transverse fold line 31 so that the secondtop panel 29 overlaps the interior surface of the second side panel 21and folding the blank along the transverse fold line 19 so that thefirst to panel 25 overlaps the second top panel 29. Alternatively, theblank could be folded along the transverse fold lines 23, 27 so that thefirst top panel 25 overlaps the second top panel 29. The first top panel25 can be glued to the second top panel 29, and the outer dispenserpanels 147 can be glued to the inner dispenser panels 161. In oneembodiment, the corner portions 171 of the inner dispenser panels 161are not glued to the outer projections 157 of the first top panel 25.The top end flaps 47, 49 at least partially overlap the respective topend flaps 51, 53, and the top end flaps 47, 49 can be glued to the topend flaps 51, 53. In one embodiment, the outer handle flaps 73 in thetop end flaps 47, 49 are glued to the respective inner handle flaps 89in the top end flaps 51, 53. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the blank thencan be folded along fold lines 19, 23, 27, 31 to form an open-endedsleeve 173 with an interior 175. As shown in FIG. 3A, the containers Ccan be loaded into the interior 175 of the open-ended sleeve 173 beforeor after closing either of the ends 7, 9. The blank 3 may be otherwiseformed into the open-ended sleeve using alternative folding and gluingsteps without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the side end flaps 37, 43 are inwardlyfolded along the longitudinal fold line 61 to at least partially closethe first end 7. As the side end flaps 37, 43 are folded, the cornerflaps 135 slide against the respective side panels 17, 21 and bend alongthe respective intermediate fold lines 141 to bend around the corners ofthe carton 5. Additionally, when the containers are loaded into theinterior 175 of the sleeve 173, the corner flaps 135 can bend togenerally conform to the curve of the respectively adjacent containers.The top end flaps 47, 51 are folded along the longitudinal fold line 61and the fold area 65, respectively, so that the top end flaps 47, 51overlap the side end flaps 37, 43 and the handle flaps 73, 89 aregenerally aligned with the openings 101. In one embodiment, the innertop end flap 51 is glued in face-to-face contact with the side end flaps37, 43. The bottom end flap 33 is folded upwardly along the longitudinalfold line 61 into face-to-face contact with the lower portions of theside end flaps 37, 43. In one embodiment, the bottom end flap 33overlaps a portion of the outer top end flap 47 (FIG. 4). The bottom endflap 33 can be glued to the side end flaps 37, 43 and/or the top endflap 47. Accordingly, the handle 10 (FIGS. 4 and 5) in the first end 7is formed by the alignment of the handle flap 73 of the outer top endflap 47, the handle flap 89 and the opening 95 of the inner top end flap51, and the openings 101 and the side handle flaps 105 of the side endflaps 37, 43. The top end flaps 47, 51, the side end flaps 37, 43, andthe bottom end flap 33 can be selectively adhered to one another toclose the first end 7 of the carton 5 (FIG. 4).

In one embodiment, the second end 9 of the carton 5 can be closed in asimilar manner as the first end 7 by folding, respectively overlapping,and selectively adhering the side end flaps 39, 45, the top end flaps49, 53, and the bottom end flap 35. The erected carton is shown in FIG.4. One or both of the ends 7, 9 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,configured, or omitted, without departing from the disclosure.Additionally, the open-ended sleeve 173 can be alternatively loaded withcontainers and closed without departing from the disclosure. Forexample, the ends 7, 9 can be closed in any order, and the containerscould be loaded before or after closing either or both of the ends 7, 9.Additionally, the corner flaps 135 could be folded along longitudinalfold lines 137 and/or glued before or after any step of forming thecarton 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, which shows the first end 7 of the carton 5 from theinterior 175 of the carton, the side handle flaps 105 of the side endflaps 43, 37, the inner handle flap 89 of the top end flap 51, and theouter handle flap 73 of the top end flap 47 are overlapped to form thehandle 10 in the first end 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the handles 10can be used to grasp the carton 5 by pressing against the outer handleflaps 73 to force the outer handle flaps 73 and the inner handle flaps89 inwardly through the handle openings 95 of the top end flaps 51, 53and the handle openings 101 of the side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45 toprovide a handle opening in the closed ends 7, 9 of the carton 5. Foreach of the handles 10, as the outer handle panel 73 and the innerhandle panel 89 fold inwardly, the outer handle panel 73 and the innerhandle panel can fold inwardly along the respective arcuate fold lines75, 91 (FIGS. 6 and 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the handle panels 73, 89 canbe folded upwardly toward the interior surface of the upper portions 103of the side end flaps along the respective opposing arcuate fold lines79, 97 as the user grasps the handle 10. Accordingly, the grip portions82 of the outer handle flaps 73 and the folding portions 100 of theinner handle flaps 89 extend at an angle with respect to the top endflaps 47, 51 or 49, 53 and the remainders of the handle flaps 73, 89 toform hand contact areas 177 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In one embodiment, the handcontact areas 177 can extend generally horizontally into the interior175 of the carton 5. The hand contact areas 177 of the handles 10 canhelp make the material of the carton 5 at the handles 10 feel like it isthicker than it is. Additionally, the hand contact areas 177 can providea wider area that is supported by the user's hands, which is morecomfortable than supporting the carton 5 along a single fold line. Theopposing arcuate fold lines 75, 79 and 91, 97 help avoid a situationwhere the weight of the carton 5 and the containers disposed therein issupported by a user's hands at a single fold line in each handle, whichcould more easily occur if each of the handle panels fold along a singlefold line or along parallel fold lines.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly folding handle flaps 73, 89can contact the overlapped side handle flaps 105 in the side end flaps37, 43 or 39, 45 and fold the handle flaps 105 inwardly along fold lines107. Accordingly, the side handle flaps 105 can provide additionalmaterial above the handles 10. The handles 10 could be alternatively,shaped, arranged, configured, and/or reinforced without departing fromthis disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of an alternative blank203 for forming a carton (not shown) according to a second embodiment ofthe disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the firstembodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar oridentical features of the embodiments have been given like or similarreference numbers. As shown in FIG. 8, the blank 203 does not include aninner top panel foldably connected to the second side panel or inner topend flaps. The blank 203 includes an attachment flap 229 foldablyconnected to the top panel 225 along a transverse fold line 231.Alternatively, the attachment flap 229 could be foldably connected tothe second side panel 21. In one embodiment, a reinforcing insert (notshown) can be attached to the top panel 225 and/or the top end flaps 47,49. For example, a reinforcing insert could be generally similar to theinner top panel and/or the inner top end flaps 51, 53 of the firstembodiment. Alternatively, a different insert could be used with theblank 203, or the blank 203 is not used with an insert. The blank 203can be formed into an open-ended sleeve (not shown) by folding along thetransverse fold lines 19, 23, 27, 231 and gluing the attachment flap 229to the interior surface of the second side panel 21. The carton can beerected generally similar to the formation of the carton 5 of the firstembodiment described above. The blank 203 could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exterior surface 401 of an alternativecarton blank 403 for forming a carton 405 (FIG. 12) according to a thirdembodiment of the disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similarto the second embodiment, except for variations noted and variationsthat will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly,similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like orsimilar reference numbers. The blank 403 can be used with a reinforcinginsert 604 (FIG. 10) or an alternative insert for forming a reinforcedcarton. The carton blank 403 and/or the reinforcing insert 604 could beotherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from thedisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 9, the carton blank 403 can include a row of threearticle protection flaps 13 foldably connected to the bottom panel 417.The article protection flaps 13 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example,the carton blank 403 could include any suitable number of articleprotection flaps 13, or the article protection flaps 13 could beomitted. An outer dispenser 545 includes outer dispenser panels 547foldably connected to the top panel 425 along longitudinal fold lines551 and separable from the top panel 425 along tear lines 549. The outerdispenser 545 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure. For example, the outer dispensercould be at least partially disposed in the first side panel 417 or thesecond side panel 421. In an alternative embodiment, the outer dispenser545 could be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the side end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445 include handlenotches or openings 501 and upper portions 503 disposed above theopenings 501. In the illustrated embodiment, the side end flaps 437,439, 443, 445 do not include side handle flaps (e.g., the side handleflaps 105 of the first embodiment) foldably connected to the upperportions 503. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, the side end flaps 437,439, 443, 445 do not include corner flaps (e.g., the corner flaps 135 ofthe first embodiment). In an alternative embodiment, side handle flaps(e.g., the side handle flaps 105 shown and described in the firstembodiment) and/or corner flaps (e.g., the corner flaps 135 shown anddescribed in the first embodiment) could be incorporated into any of theside end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445. The side end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departingfrom the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, the handle features for forming the handles410 in the carton 405 (FIG. 12) include a handle flap 473 foldablyconnected to each of the top end flaps 447, 449 along a respectivearcuate fold line 475. The handle flaps 437 can be separable from thetop end flaps 447, 449 along respective tear or cut lines 477. A foldline 479 can extend in each of the handle flaps 473. As shown in FIG.9A, the fold line 479 is nonparallel with the arcuate fold line 475. Forexample, the fold line 479 can be a generally straight, longitudinalfold line. In an alternative embodiment, the fold line 475 could begenerally straight, and the fold line 479 could be arcuate.Alternatively, the fold lines 475, 479 could be any suitable nonparallelor opposing arcuate fold lines. A grip portion 482 for contacting a handof a user when grasping the handle generally can be defined between thearcuate fold line 475 and the nonparallel fold line 479 in each of theouter handle flaps 473. While the fold lines 475, 479 are nonparallelinstead of opposing arcs like the fold lines 75, 79 of the outer handleflaps 73 of the first embodiment, the grip portions 482 generally canfold like the grip portions 82 of the first embodiment help provide awider support area for a user's hands. Accordingly, the grip portions482 can help make the material of the carton 405 at the handles 410 feelthicker and more comfortable for the user. In one embodiment, the handleflaps 473 each include a longitudinal score 481 extending in the gripportion 482.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the handle flaps 473 can includeoblique fold lines 483 and a lateral cut 485, which can form generallytriangular flaps 487 that can help accommodate the narrow top or neck ofa container adjacent the respective handle 410. Accordingly, when therespective outer handle flap 473 is folded inwardly in the carton 405,the triangular flaps 487 can separate along the respective cuts 485 andfold outwardly along the oblique fold lines 483 upon contact with thenarrow top of the respective container. The outer handle flaps 473 couldbe otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing fromthe disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an interior surface 602 of the reinforcing insert604 for use in the carton 405. As illustrated in FIG. 10, thelongitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2 of the insert 604 areoriented to comport with the respective longitudinal axis L1 and lateralaxis L2 of the carton blank 403 established in FIG. 9. In theillustrated embodiment, the insert 604 can be generally symmetric abouta longitudinal central axis CL and a lateral or transverse central axisCT. The reinforcing insert 604 can include a central panel 608 and tworeinforcing end flaps 612, 614 respectively foldably connected to thecentral panel 608 at opposite ends of the thereof. A first fold line 616connects the first reinforcing end flap 612 to the central panel 608,and a second fold line 618 connects the second reinforcing end flap 614to the central panel.

As shown in FIG. 10, the reinforcing insert 604 includes articleretention or intermediate flaps 620 extending in the central panel 608and the respective reinforcing end flap 612, 614. The intermediate flaps620 are foldably connected to the central panel 608 along respectivelongitudinal fold lines 622 and are further defined by respective tearor cut lines 624. In one embodiment, the intermediate flaps 620interrupt the respective fold lines 616, 618. The reinforcing insert 604could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departingfrom the disclosure. For example, the insert 604 could include an innerdispenser for cooperating with the outer dispenser 545 of the cartonblank 403. Alternatively, the inner dispenser could have features thatare generally similar to the inner top panel 29 and the inner top endflaps 51, 53 of the blank 3 of the first embodiment, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, glue strips 626 can be applied to theinterior surface 602 of the insert 604, and the insert can be positionedon the interior surface 402 of the carton blank 403 so that the centralpanel 608 generally overlaps the top panel 425 and the reinforcing endflaps 612, 614 generally overlap the respective top end flaps 447, 449.Accordingly, the central panel 608 and the reinforcing end flaps 612,614 are glued to the respective top panel 425 and top end flaps 447,449, while the intermediate flaps 620 generally are free to pivot alongrespective fold lines 622 relative to the carton blank 403.Alternatively, the insert 604 could be otherwise secured to the cartonblank 403. As shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal free edge 628 of thereinforcing end flap 612 is disposed adjacent at least a portion of thearcuate fold line 475 of the handle flap 473 in the top end flap 447,and the longitudinal free edge 630 of the reinforcing end flap 614 isdisposed adjacent at least a portion of the arcuate fold line 475 of thehandle flap 473 in the top end flap 449.

As shown in FIG. 11, the attachment flap 429 can be glued to theinterior surface 402 of the carton blank 403, and the blank can befolded along the transverse fold lines 419, 423, 427, and 431 to formthe open-ended sleeve 573 with an interior 575. The reinforcing insert604 and the carton blank 403 could be otherwise formed into theopen-ended sleeve using alternative folding and gluing steps withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure.

The side end flaps 437, 443 can be inwardly folded along thelongitudinal fold line 461 to at least partially close the first end407. In one embodiment the intermediate flap 620 at the first end 407can be downwardly folded relative to the central panel 608 along foldline 622 so that the intermediate flap 620 is interior to the side endflaps 437, 443. As shown in FIG. 13, the intermediate flap 620 canextend at an oblique angle from the central panel 608 to the upperportions 503 of the side end flaps 437, 443. The top end flap 447 isfolded along the longitudinal fold line 461 so that the top end flap 447overlaps the side end flaps 437, 443 and the handle flap 473 isgenerally aligned with the openings 501. In one embodiment, the top endflap 447 is glued in face-to-face contact with the side end flaps 437,443. The bottom end flap 433 is folded upwardly along the longitudinalfold line 461 into face-to-face contact with the lower portions of theside end flaps 437, 443. In one embodiment, the bottom end flap 433overlaps a portion of the top end flap 447. The bottom end flap 433 canbe glued to the side end flaps 437, 443 and/or the top end flap 447.Accordingly, the handle 410 in the first end 407 is formed by thealignment of the handle flap 473 of the top end flap 447 and theopenings 501 of the side end flaps 437, 443. The top end flap 447, theside end flaps 437, 443, and the bottom end flap 433 can be selectivelyadhered to one another to close the first end 407 of the carton 405.

Containers can be loaded into the partially-erected carton 405 throughthe open second end 409. The second end 409 of the carton 405 can beclosed in a similar manner as the first end 407 by folding, respectivelyoverlapping, and selectively adhering the side end flaps 439, 445, thetop end flap 449, and the bottom end flap 435. The erected carton isshown in FIG. 12, and the interior of the second end 409 is shown inFIG. 13. One or both of the ends 407, 409 could be otherwise shaped,arranged, configured, or omitted, without departing from the disclosure.Additionally, the open-ended sleeve 573 can be alternatively loaded withcontainers and closed without departing from the disclosure. Forexample, the ends 407, 409 can be closed in any order, and thecontainers could be loaded before or after closing either or both of theends 407, 409.

The handles 410 can be used to grasp the carton 405 at each end 407, 409similarly to the handles 10 of the first embodiment. As the handle flaps473 are pressed inwardly through the handle openings 501 of the side endflaps 437, 439, 443, 445, the handle panels 473 can fold along therespective arcuate fold lines 475, 479. Accordingly, the grip portions482 of the handle flaps 473 extend at an angle with respect to the topend flaps 447, 449 and the remainder of the handle flaps 473 to formhand contact areas 577 (FIG. 12). The hand contact areas 577 of thehandles 410 can help to make the material of the carton 405 at thehandles 410 feel like it is thicker than it is. Additionally, the handcontact areas 577 can provide a wider area that is supported by theuser's hands, which is more comfortable than supporting the carton 405along a single fold line. The nonparallel fold lines 475, 479 help avoida situation where the weight of the carton 405 and the containersdisposed therein is supported by a user's hands at a single fold line ineach handle, which could more easily occur if each of the handle panelsfold along a single fold line or along parallel fold lines.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can becombined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other featuresof other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. Further, it is noted that the handle flaps with theopposing arcuate fold lines or the nonparallel fold lines of the variousembodiments can be incorporated into a carton having any carton style orpanel configuration. The carton styles and panel configurationsdescribed above are included by way of example. Additionally, the shapesof the handle flaps can be substantially any shape. The shapes describedabove and included in the figures are included by way of example.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example,formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, theinterior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a claycoating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product,advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanksmay then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed onthe blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisturebarrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance withthe above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed ofpaperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid thanordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials,such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having propertiessuitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally asdescribed herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one ormore sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although notnecessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates foldingtherealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing thescope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, suchas lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates acrushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; acut that extends partially into a material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/orcompletely through the material along the desired line of weakness; andvarious combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partiallyinto the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series ofspaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely throughthe material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinationsof these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is inthe form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completelythrough the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly sothat a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material)is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarilyconnecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are brokenduring tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relativelysmall percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can beomitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is acontinuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuousslit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit orcould be wider than a slit without departing from the presentdisclosure.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panelsadhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. Theterm “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonlyused to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describesvarious embodiments. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstruction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosurecovers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of theabove-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims.Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selectedembodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use invarious other combinations, modifications, and environments and iscapable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventiveconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may beselectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated andnon-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carton for holding a plurality of containers,the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at leastpartially around an interior of the carton; at least one end flapfoldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels, theat least one end flap at least partially forming a closed end of thecarton; at least one handle comprising at least one handle flap foldablyconnected to the at least one end flap along a first fold line, the atleast one handle flap comprising a grip portion at least partiallydefined by the first fold line and a second fold line extending in theat least one handle flap, wherein the first fold line and the secondfold line are nonparallel.
 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the firstfold line comprises an arcuate fold line and the second fold linecomprises an opposing arcuate fold line that generally mirrors thearcuate fold line.
 3. The carton of claim 2, wherein at least one end ofthe opposing arcuate fold line is spaced apart from the arcuate foldline.
 4. The carton of claim 2, wherein a score line extends in the gripportion and is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line and the opposingarcuate fold line.
 5. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first fold linecomprises an arcuate fold line and the second fold line comprises agenerally straight fold line.
 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein a scoreline extends in the grip portion and is spaced apart from the arcuatefold line and the generally straight fold line.
 7. The carton of claim1, wherein: the at least one end flap comprises an outer top end flap atleast partially overlapping an inner top end flap; the at least onehandle flap comprises an outer handle flap foldably connected to theouter top end flap, and the at least one handle further comprises aninner handle flap foldably connected to the inner top end flap; and theouter handle flap at least partially overlaps the inner handle flap. 8.The carton of claim 7, wherein the inner handle flap is foldablyconnected to the inner top end flap along a third fold line, the innerhandle flap comprises a folding portion at least partially defined bythe third fold line and a fourth fold line extending in the inner handleflap, and the grip portion of the outer handle flap at least partiallyoverlaps the folding portion of the inner handle flap.
 9. The carton ofclaim 8, wherein the third fold line and the fourth fold line arenonparallel.
 10. The carton of claim 8, wherein each of the first foldline and the third fold line comprises an arcuate fold line, and each ofthe second fold line and the fourth fold line comprises an opposingarcuate fold line that generally mirrors the respective arcuate foldline.
 11. The carton of claim 7, wherein the at least one end flapfurther comprises at least one side end flap, the outer top end flap andthe inner top end flap at least partially overlap the at least one sideend flap, and the at least one handle further comprises at least oneside handle flap foldably connected to the at least one side end flapadjacent a handle opening formed in the at least one side end flap, theouter handle flap and the inner handle flap being at least partiallyaligned with the at least one side handle flap.
 12. The carton of claim11, wherein the at least one side end flap comprises a first side endflap and a second side end flap, the at least one side handle flapcomprises a first side handle flap foldably connected to the first sideend flap and a second side handle flap foldably connected to the secondside end flap, and the first side handle flap at least partiallyoverlaps the second side handle flap.
 13. The carton of claim 1, whereinthe at least one end flap comprises a top end flap at least partiallyoverlapping a side end flap, the at least one handle flap is foldablyconnected to the top end flap along the first fold line, the at leastone handle comprises a handle opening formed in the side end flap, andthe at least one handle flap is at least partially aligned with thehandle opening.
 14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the at least onehandle further comprises a side handle flap foldably connected to theside end flap adjacent the handle opening formed in the side end flap,the at least one handle flap at least partially overlapping the sidehandle flap.
 15. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panelscomprises a top panel and the at least one end flap comprises a top endflap foldably connected to the top panel, the carton further comprises areinforcing insert at least partially in face-to-face contact with thetop panel, the reinforcing insert comprises a reinforcing end flap atleast partially in face-to-face contact with the top end flap, and thereinforcing end flap comprises a free edge disposed adjacent the firstfold line of the at least one handle.
 16. The carton of claim 15,wherein the at least one end flap further comprises a side end flap, thetop end flap and the reinforcing end flap at least partially overlap theside end flap, and the reinforcing insert comprises an intermediate flapat least partially defined by a cut extending in at least thereinforcing end flap, the intermediate flap extending obliquely betweenthe top panel and an interior surface of the side end flap.
 17. A blankfor forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the blankcomprising: a plurality of panels; at least one end flap foldablyconnected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels, the at leastone end flap being for at least partially forming a closed end of thecarton formed from the blank; handle features for forming at least onehandle, the handle features comprising at least one handle flap foldablyconnected to the at least one end flap along a first fold line, the atleast one handle flap comprising a grip portion at least partiallydefined by the first fold line and a second fold line extending in theat least one handle flap, wherein the first fold line and the secondfold line are nonparallel.
 18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the firstfold line comprises an arcuate fold line and the second fold linecomprises an opposing arcuate fold line that generally mirrors thearcuate fold line.
 19. The blank of claim 18, wherein at least one endof the opposing arcuate fold line is spaced apart from the arcuate foldline.
 20. The blank of claim 18, wherein a score line extends in thegrip portion and is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line and theopposing arcuate fold line.
 21. The blank of claim 17, wherein the firstfold line comprises an arcuate fold line and the second fold linecomprises a generally straight fold line.
 22. The blank of claim 21,wherein a score line extends in the grip portion and is spaced apartfrom the arcuate fold line and the generally straight fold line.
 23. Theblank of claim 17, wherein: the at least one end flap comprises an outertop end flap and an inner top end flap, the outer top end flap being forat least partially overlapping the inner top end flap when the carton isformed from the blank; the at least one handle flap comprises an outerhandle flap foldably connected to the outer top end flap, and the atleast one handle further comprises an inner handle flap foldablyconnected to the inner top end flap; and the outer handle flap is for atleast partially overlapping the inner handle flap when the carton isformed from the blank.
 24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the innerhandle flap is foldably connected to the inner top end flap along athird fold line, the inner handle flap comprises a folding portion atleast partially defined by the third fold line and a fourth fold lineextending in the inner handle flap, and the grip portion of the outerhandle flap being for at least partially overlapping the folding portionof the inner handle flap when the carton is formed from the blank. 25.The blank of claim 24, wherein the third fold line and the fourth foldline are nonparallel.
 26. The blank of claim 24, wherein each of thefirst fold line and the third fold line comprises an arcuate fold line,and each of the second fold line and the fourth fold line comprises anopposing arcuate fold line that generally mirrors the respective arcuatefold line.
 27. The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one end flapfurther comprises at least one side end flap, the at least one handlefurther comprises at least one side handle flap foldably connected tothe at least one side end flap adjacent a handle opening formed in theat least one side end flap, the outer top end flap and the inner top endflap are for at least partially overlapping the at least one side endflap when the carton is formed from the blank, and the outer handle flapand the inner handle flap are for being at least partially aligned withthe at least one side handle flap when the carton is formed from theblank.
 28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the at least one side end flapcomprises a first side end flap and a second side end flap, the at leastone side handle flap comprises a first side handle flap foldablyconnected to the first side end flap and a second side handle flapfoldably connected to the second side end flap, and the first sidehandle flap is for at least partially overlapping the second side handleflap when the carton is formed from the blank.
 29. The blank of claim17, wherein the at least one end flap comprises a top end flap and aside end flap, the at least one handle flap is foldably connected to thetop end flap along the first fold line, the at least one handlecomprises a handle opening formed in the side end flap, and the at leastone handle flap is for being at least partially aligned with the handleopening when the carton is formed from the blank.
 30. The blank of claim29, wherein the at least one handle further comprises a side handle flapfoldably connected to the side end flap adjacent the handle openingformed in the side end flap, and the at least one handle flap is for atleast partially overlapping the side handle flap when the carton isformed from the blank.
 31. The blank of claim 17, wherein the pluralityof panels comprises a top panel and the at least one end flap comprisesa top end flap foldably connected to the top panel, a reinforcing insertis disposed at least partially in face-to-face contact with the toppanel, the reinforcing insert comprises a reinforcing end flap at leastpartially in face-to-face contact with the top end flap, and thereinforcing end flap comprises a free edge disposed adjacent the firstfold line of the at least one handle.
 32. The blank of claim 31, whereinthe at least one end flap further comprises a side end flap, thereinforcing insert comprises an intermediate flap at least partiallydefined by a cut extending in at least the reinforcing end flap, the topend flap and the reinforcing end flap are for at least partiallyoverlapping the side end flap when the carton is formed from the blank,and the intermediate flap is for being positioned to extend obliquelybetween the top panel and an interior surface of the side end flap whenthe carton is formed from the blank.
 33. A method of forming a cartonfor holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaininga carton comprising a plurality of panels that extends at leastpartially around an interior of the carton, at least one end flapfoldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels, theat least one end flap at least partially forming a closed end of thecarton, and at least one handle comprising at least one handle flapfoldably connected to the at least one end flap along a first fold line,the at least one handle flap comprising a grip portion at leastpartially defined by the first fold line and a second fold lineextending in the at least one handle flap, wherein the first fold lineand the second fold line are nonparallel; actuating the at least onehandle by folding the at least one handle flap along the first fold lineand the second fold line.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein thefolding the at least one handle flap comprises positioning the gripportion to be generally horizontal with respect to the at least one endflap and positioning a remainder of the at least one handle flap toextend generally upwardly from the grip portion.
 35. The method of claim33, wherein the first fold line comprises an arcuate fold line and thesecond fold line comprises an opposing arcuate fold line that generallymirrors the arcuate fold line.
 36. The method of claim 33, wherein thefirst fold line comprises an arcuate fold line and the second fold linecomprises a generally straight fold line.
 37. The method of claim 33,wherein: the at least one end flap comprises an outer top end flap atleast partially overlapping an inner top end flap; the at least onehandle flap comprises an outer handle flap foldably connected to theouter top end flap along the first fold line, and the at least onehandle further comprises an inner handle flap foldably connected to theinner top end flap along a third fold line, the outer handle flap atleast partially overlapping the inner handle flap; and the actuating theat least one handle further comprises folding the inner handle flapalong the third fold line.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the innerhandle flap comprises a folding portion at least partially defined bythe third fold line and a fourth fold line extending in the inner handleflap, the third fold line and the fourth fold line are nonparallel, thegrip portion of the outer handle flap at least partially overlaps thefolding portion of the inner handle flap, and the actuating the at leastone handle further comprises folding the inner handle flap along thefourth fold line.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least oneend flap further comprises at least one side end flap, the outer top endflap and the inner top end flap at least partially overlap the at leastone side end flap, the at least one handle further comprises at leastone side handle flap foldably connected to the at least one side endflap adjacent a handle opening formed in the at least one side end flap,the outer handle flap and the inner handle flap being at least partiallyaligned with the at least one side handle flap, and the actuating the atleast one handle further comprises folding the outer handle flap and theinner handle flap at least partially through the handle opening andfolding the side handle flap relative to the at least one side end flap.